Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer

Safety Nate Allen did not practice Friday because of a left hamstring injury he suffered the day before.

If he can't play Monday night against the Saints, David Sims will start in his place, Eagles coach Andy Reid said.

Allen said that he injured his hamstring during Thursday's practice. He injured his other hamstring in the fourth quarter of the overtime loss to the Lions on Oct. 14 and was replaced by Colt Anderson. Allen returned two weeks later, after the bye, and played the entire game against the Falcons.

Allen has three days to get ready for Monday night's game against the Saints. The Eagles practice again on Saturday, have a walk-through on Sunday and then fly to New Orleans immediately afterward.

Anderson had several issues in short relief of Allen against the Detroit, so Sims is now ahead of him on the depth chart.

Guard Danny Watkins (ankle) and wide receiver Mardy Gilyard (hamstring) were the only other Eagles to not practice on Friday. Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (knee) returned after sitting out a day and defensive tackle Mike Patterson continues to make progress toward a return after January brain surgery.

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